M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project Advances with Controlled Blasting Operations

• Major infrastructure project enters new phase as rock excavation begins north of Shannonpark, whilst Ringaskiddy village transformation nears completion with official opening planned for September.

Construction on the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway project has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of controlled rock blasting operations yesterday, marking a new phase in one of Cork's most important infrastructure developments.

The blasting activities, which began on Thursday 21st August, will continue in the cutting area north of Shannonpark Roundabout from Tuesday 2nd September. These controlled explosions will occur at specific notified times between Monday and Friday during daylight hours, continuing through to February 2026.

BAM, the project's main contractor, has assured residents that all blasting will be conducted in accordance with statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice to prevent adverse impacts to the public, property and environment. The company has committed to notifying all relevant parties in advance of any blasting activity.

Earthworks are progressing steadily across multiple sections of the route. Excavation and filling operations will begin in the Shanbally area next week, requiring localised traffic management along Marian Terrace with stop/go measures. Topsoil stripping continues between Barnahely and Rafeen, as well as in Shanbally, whilst mulching and root removal operations are underway along the Rochestown off-ramp from the N28.

Site clearance works are set to commence in the Carr's Hill, Maryborough Hill and Rochestown areas. Stream diversion works west of the existing N28 at Shannonpark are also scheduled to begin shortly.

Motorists should be aware of upcoming traffic disruptions, particularly at Donnybrook Underbridge, where a single-lane closure on the northbound carriageway of the N28 is scheduled from 1st to 5th September for investigative works on the existing structure.

Meanwhile, Ringaskiddy village is undergoing its own transformation. The Urban Realm and Active Travel Scheme has seen major improvements with new road surfacing and line marking completed in recent weeks. Next week will see the completion of parking bays and private entrances at the eastern end of the scheme.

Cork County Council has announced that the Ringaskiddy Urban Realm and Active Travel Scheme will be officially opened by Minister of State for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD on Wednesday 3rd September, showcasing improvements to the roadway, village core and new pedestrian and cycling facilities.

The Ringaskiddy Relief Road continues to progress, with final surfacing works on the Ringaskiddy Roundabout due for completion early next week. The L6517 Loughbeg Road has been reduced to one lane for the next ten weeks to allow excavation completion, whilst Old Post Office Road will remain closed until December for underpass construction works.

At Barnahely Roundabout, most offline works have been completed, with online works commencing next week in a sequenced manner from south to north, utilising a stop/go system.

Des Gilsenan, Public Relations Officer for BAM, encourages anyone with queries about construction works to contact the site office via email at m28queries@bam.com or by calling the dedicated phoneline on 1800 816197.

This substantial infrastructure project, once complete, will provide vital connectivity between Cork and the strategically important port of Ringaskiddy, supporting both commercial traffic and the thousands of Corkonians who commute to the pharmaceutical and industrial facilities in the area.